The Eighth Day (Katuka novel)
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| Author | Mitsuyo Kakuta |
|---|---|
| Translator | Margaret Mitsutani |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Kodansha |
Publication date | 2007 |
| Publication place | Japan |
| ISBN | 9784770030887 |
The Eighth Day (or Yokame no semi, 八日目の蟬 in kanji) is a 2007 Japanese language novel by Japanese author Mitsuyo Kakuta. It was translated into English by Margaret Mitsutani in 2010. The book is known for its characterization of women especially. It was later adapted into a TV drama,[1] and then as a film in 2011.[2] The author received the 2007 Chūō Kōron Literary Prize (中央公論文芸賞) for the novel.[3]
Synopsis
A work with theme of "motherhood". Consists of two chapters in total (3 chapters including the prologue Chapter 0) depicting the three-and-a-half-year escape story of Nonomiya Kiwako, a woman who kidnapped the baby of her adulterous partner, and the conflict of Erina Akiyama, the baby who became an adult after the incident. Although it is suspenseful, everyday elements such as birth, love, and family are depicted in a unique way.
- Chapter 0: A prologue with only 3 pages. The impulse of kidnapping a baby of Kiwako's former lover (Takehiro) who deceiving her into abortion and leads to her infertility.
- Chapter 1: Story of Nonomiya Kiwako during the three-and-a-half-year escape: from Tokyo, Nagoya, Angel Home which is a women-only commune hosted by a suspicious religious cult, and finally Shodoshima where Kiwako is arrested.
- Chapter 2: As an adult, Erina became pregnant like Kiwako while dating Kishida, who had a wife and children, and Kishida was unreliable like Takehiro. Chigusa Ando, who was a childhood friend with Erina when they live in Angel Home, appeared before Erina. They start their journey to confront their past.
Film Adoption
The film focus on Chapter 2 of the novel. As the Protagonist, Erina Akiyama cannot find peace with her family and she started a journey to confront her past. She made a life changing decision after discovered what is important to her, which is her rebirth.
References
- ^ "檀れい「八日目の蝉」撮影始まる／連続ドラマ初主演". Shikoku (in Japanese).
- ^ "日活レポート". nikkatsu.com.
- ^ "Celebrated Author Mitsuyo Kakuta Visits Toronto". Consulate-General of Japan in Toronto.
